UAB receives NCI grant as lead site in National Clinical Trials Network

The UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center has been selected as a lead academic site and received a prestigious NCI grant that will open up clinical trials across a nationwide network and expand treatment options for patients.

“With this grant, we are now able to open up our clinical trials across a nationwide network,” said Edward Partridge, M.D., director of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to provide patients access to treatment options that they might not otherwise have.”

There are currently more than 180 cancer-related clinical trials at UAB exploring a wide array of therapies, diagnostics and preventive options. Clinical trials test new treatments in people with cancer with the goal of finding better ways to treat cancer. If a new treatment proves effective in a study, it may become a new standard treatment. Many of today’s most effective standard treatments are based on previous study results, including treatments for breast, colon, rectal and childhood cancers.

There are currently more than 180 cancer-related clinical trials at UAB exploring a wide array of therapies, diagnostics and preventive options. Clinical trials test new treatments in people with cancer with the goal of finding better ways to treat cancer. If a new treatment proves effective in a study, it may become a new standard treatment.

Previously, clinical trials were sometimes seen as a last resort for people who had no other treatment choices. Today, however, many cancer patients often choose to receive their first treatment in a clinical trial. Because of this type of progress made through clinical trials, many people treated for cancer are now living longer.

Several UAB faculty from a variety of departments helped bring the NCTN grant to fruition, including principal investigator Ronald Alvarez, M.D., director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology.

“This multifaceted approach maintains the Cancer Center’s connections with the national cancer research community while fostering the development of translational research linked to UAB’s scientific resources,” Alvarez said.

“This project reflects the collaborative nature of the UAB Cancer Center, involving hematology and oncology, radiation oncology, gynecologic oncology, and radiology, all working together for the greater good, and on an even broader level than previously possible,” Alvarez said.

UAB has earned recognition on the 2015 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll in general community service, economic opportunity and education through local efforts and collaborations.

Following a national search, Charles W. “Chuck” Holmes, a veteran journalist and newsroom leader at NPR in Washington, D.C., has been named the general manager of WBHM 90.3 FM, the listener-supported service of the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

The Department of Music presents this annual favorite, featuring UAB Concert Choir and Chamber Singers, the UAB Trumpet Ensemble, choirs and ensembles from area high schools, and the Steel City Men’s Chorus.

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